Jonah is a small but mighty book in the Old Testament that wrestles with some of our deepest feelings, fears, and questions about following God. It’s also strange. Like, really strange. 

In the story, you’ll find a bad prophet, a miraculous storm, and cows that repent of their sins. And then, of course, there’s the fish (or whale, depending on who you talk to) looming large over the whole story.

3 Things to Know About the Book of Jonah

It’s fun to enjoy the delightful weirdness of this ancient story. But let’s not get too distracted by its strangeness. Why? Because this story has a lot to say to modern-day Christians. So if you’re getting ready to dive into this book, or want to reread it with a fresh perspective, here are three things to know.

1. Jonah Isn’t a Hero

Apologies to people who grew up reading kids’ books about Jonah running from God, getting swallowed by a fish, and then becoming a great hero of the faith. Unfortunately, the story isn’t that simple.

Jonah Runs From God

The story of Jonah begins with God calling him to do something important.

Most people think of a prophet as a kind of fortune teller, but their real job is to be a truth-teller. In the Bible, prophets were people fully devoted to God and committed to speaking hard truth.

The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and several others received similar callings from God, telling them to confront injustice, hold spiritual leaders accountable, and present a road map to a better future. Every time God called His prophets, they answered with wholehearted devotion—no matter the discomfort, rejection, threats, and mockery they received.

Then we get to Jonah.

Like all prophets, he receives an uncomfortable calling. God tells him to go to Nineveh—the capital of one of the most violent empires in human history—and confront the violence going on there. What kind of violence are we talking about? Terror, slavery, genocide, torture; name an atrocity, and they’d done it. Repeatedly.

Any other prophet in the Bible would have likely said something like, “Wow, that’s scary, but since God called me, I’m going.” Not Jonah. Jonah runs away. Why? Because Jonah is afraid that God will forgive the Ninevites and welcome them into His family. 

Wait, what? 

Yes, the story of Jonah is about a bad prophet who ran from God, made increasingly self-destructive choices, and, as far as we know, never learned his lesson. He ends the story mad at God for being loving, kind, and forgiving to the people he hates. 

But even though he’s definitely not a person we should try to copy, his story has a lot to teach us about the cost of running from God.

2. The Big Fish Isn’t a Main Character

If you’ve heard of Jonah, you’ve heard about the big fish. They’re an iconic ancient duo that will always be connected. Why? Well, in chapter 1, Jonah makes a self-destructive choice—forcing sailors to throw him into the sea rather than turn back to God. Then, in the most memorable scene of the story, God sends a big fish to rescue Jonah from drowning, and Jonah survives in the fish for three days. 

Yes, it’s strange. I get it. But the story of Jonah isn’t about the big fish. Instead, the big fish is one essential part of the story God is telling. The fish is God’s rescue agent, but it’s more than just a living submarine—it’s also a place for Jonah to reflect on his choices. 

The three unpleasant days in the fish are Jonah’s “rock bottom” moment. The experience stops him in his tracks and forces him to stop hiding from God. It’s there that Jonah asks God for help. 

Maybe you’ve had a similar experience, where a series of unhealthy choices caught up with you in an unexpected way. At that moment, your only option was to pray, asking God for direction and help. 

God responds to Jonah’s prayer and causes the fish to spit Jonah out near the shore. 

The big fish is an essential part of Jonah’s story, but it’s not the main event. While it’s natural to have questions about this event and other weird stories in the Bible, let’s avoid letting our doubts about a person surviving for three days in a fish cause us to miss the point of the story. 

So what is the point of Jonah?

3. Everyone Gets a Second Chance

Jonah is full of people getting second chances from God. Of course, they’re often more like third, fourth, 44th, and 140th chances. Just about everyone in this story gets a second chance. So if you’ve ever messed up, made a choice you regret, or wished you could have a do-over, this book is for you.

In chapter 3, we see God give the people of Nineveh a dramatic second chance. And how do they respond?

They put on sackcloth and cover themselves in ashes (an ancient way to express sorrow). The king even demands that the cows be covered in sackcloth and ashes. Were these particularly evil cows? We don’t know. But we know God saw the people’s wholehearted repentance—and responded with mercy.

Of course, all of this makes Jonah furious. He hates the Ninevites and wants to see God wipe them off of the face of the earth. For many of us, Jonah’s anger is relatable.

Maybe there’s a person or group of people you can’t stand. They might have done something to you, or they hold a belief you can’t stomach, or maybe they actively engage in harmful activities.

It’s so easy to fall for the idea that God is for our specific people group, nation, or party and that He’s against our opponents. But that’s not the case. God’s not on anyone’s side. Instead, He’s inviting us to join His side—the side of peace, love, and forgiveness. The side that resolves differences and turns enemies into friends. 

Despite the terrible pain and destruction caused by the Ninevites, God wants to give them a second chance. Why? Because God created all people, so in a way, all people are His children—regardless of their choices, beliefs, or background—and God loves all of His children, even those who are currently estranged from Him. 

That’s why He gives people unlimited second chances—He wants to provide everyone with a way to return home to their loving Father. 

The Big Question in the Book of Jonah

Jonah doesn’t share God’s perspective. He hates Nineveh and wants to see them destroyed. In his mind, they’re evil, broken, and beyond saving. That’s why the story ends with Jonah sitting on a hill overlooking Nineveh, mad at God for forgiving his enemies.

The story of Jonah ends without a resolution, and we don’t know what happens to him. Maybe he finally accepted God’s unlimited grace and forgiveness, or maybe he spent the rest of his life mad at God. Why doesn’t the story come to a satisfying conclusion? Because it’s inviting us to ask this question: What would you do if you were Jonah? 

The Main Point of Jonah

How would you respond if God saved thousands of people who come from a place you don’t like or belong to a group you’re opposed to? Or if He saved the one person who’s the hardest for you to love? And what if God wanted you to be the one to share His love with them?

Do you see how this story is about so much more than a big fish? It’s about the two sides of God’s forgiveness—the joy of receiving forgiveness and the challenge of seeing our enemies receive the same forgiveness.

Will we celebrate new members of God’s global family, or will we remain skeptical, critical, or resentful? It’s not a simple question to answer. But in moments when you feel tempted to follow Jonah’s lead, remember the second chances God’s given you. 

He loved you, even when you were far from Him, and He sacrificed Himself for you.

You didn’t deserve it; no one does. And that’s the point. Let’s put down our internal spiritual scorecard. Some sins carry more significant earthly consequences than others, but all sin separates us from God, so we all need God’s grace equally.

When you read the Book of Jonah, keep an eye out for God giving second chances. They might come through wake-up calls, rock-bottom moments, or powerful reminders of God’s limitless forgiveness. As you look for second chances in the story, reflect on the second chances you’ve received. Then, make a habit of reminding others of God’s love of second chances—even people you might not like.